AirBridgeCargo moves prototype autonomous vehicle for Geodis

July 04, 2017: Geodis, one of the world’s leading supply chain operators, chose AirBridgeCargo Airlines’ (ABC) off-size cargo expertise to manage the delivery of the newly-developed Group Rapid Transit (GRT) prototype autonomous vehicle to Singapore.

As part of its delivery solution, AirBridgeCargo sent off-size cargo experts to the production factory of the Utrecht-based technology company, 2getthere, to work out a special loading plan to ensure the safe transportation of the off-size shipment. The GRT vehicle, which measures 6 metres in length, 2.1 metres in width and has a height of 2.8 metres, can accommodate up to 24 passengers.

Nico Kors, Head of Sales, The Netherlands, Denmark & Ireland at AirBridgeCargo said, “It is exactly for this type of shipment that we have developed our ‘abc XL’ product to offer customized logistics solutions tailored to the needs of each customer. We are witnessing a strong customer demand for these types of services that require special attention and handling.

“As the largest all-cargo operator from Amsterdam, we were glad to be asked to participate in this project to deliver the GRT vehicle to and from Singapore, working in close partnership with GEODIS and their customer, 2getthere. The delivery of off-size shipments is a very important and growing part of our business and we expect to increase the share of off-size shipments in our cargo turnover.”

The GRT travelled from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Singapore onboard AirBridgeCargo’s scheduled Boeing 747 freighter service. In Singapore, it will be used for demonstrations at various locations to show its suitability for use at medium-sized airports, business campuses and entertainment parks. The vehicle was designed by the renowned automotive designer Zagato from Milan, best known for unique car designs for Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari and Aston Martin.

AirBridgeCargo, which commenced scheduled services to Singapore in September 2015, is a regular carrier of off-size shipments across its global network connecting Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. This includes aircraft engines and other aerospace equipment, as well as shipments for the oil & gas, heavy machinery and automotive industries.